The Honorable Bob Gibbs U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C.

20515

Nov 11, 2013

Dear Representative Nick J. Rahall: H.R. 1948 The Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2013 is of paramount interest to me because I am interested in maintaining the health and natural beauty of the nations beaches, lakes, rivers springs and streams. This issue directly impacts my community, my family and my friends. I am primarily concerned about the fact that this bill prevents states from protecting their waterways from pollution that is discharged upstream or by neighboring states. Also by the fact that the bill prevents the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from requiring states to update and revise water quality standards that dont adequately protect rivers, lakes, springs, and estuaries. I am deeply troubled by the fact that this bill creates a system of inconsistent water quality rules, regulations and programs that dont provide adequate protections for our nations waterways. I am incensed at the idea that this bill allows states failing to meet minimal federal clean water standards to continue receiving federal taxpayer funding for inadequate programs. I am infuriated that this bill would prevent the EPA from providing a safety net and intervening, when necessary, in proposed permits and projects that would threaten the health of waterways and drinking water supplies. The EPA has apparently exercised this authority only 13 times in the 40 years of the Clean Water Act, most recently to prohibit a mine from filling six miles of Appalachian streams with its waste. I am deeply concerned with the fact you would cosponsor H.R. 1948. H.R. 1948 will allow further pollution of this great nations Oceans, wetlands, natural springs, rivers and streams. I respectfully request the immediate withdrawal of H.R. 1948 from the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. I have read reports of your position in the newspapers and realize this may not fully represent your viewpoint. Therefore, I will look forward to your reply expressing your opinions, and your current stance on the issue. Thank you for your consideration of my viewpoint on this matter. Again, I want you to withdraw H.R. 1948 from consideration by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committees Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Sincerely, Your name, Address

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